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January is Thyroid Awareness Month
Hypothyroidism in Children
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which your child’s thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. A child with an underactive thyroid may experience fatigue, weight gain, constipation, decreased growth, and a host of other issues.
Your child’s thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Hormones produced by the thyroid affect all aspects of your child’s health including heart rate, energy metabolism (how effectively the body uses calories), growth and development. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication.
There are several different types of hypothyroidism, including:
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune hypothyroidism: chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
- Central hypothyroidism
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are usually subtle and gradual and may resemble those of other conditions or medical problems. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and/or exercise intolerance
- Slower reaction time (an important issue for drivers)
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Sparse, coarse and dry hair
- Coarse, dry and thickened skin
- Slow pulse
- Cold intolerance
- Muscle cramps
- Sides of eyebrows thin or fall out
- Hoarse voice
- Slow speech
- Droopy eyelids
- Puffy and swollen face
- Dull facial expression
- Enlarged thyroid, producing a goiter-like growth on the neck
- Increased menstrual flow and cramping in girls and young Women
Hypothyroidism can be congenital (meaning your child was born with it) or acquired as your child grows. Genetics do play a role and some children — although not all — inherit the disorder from their parents. In some cases, the cause of hypothyroidism is unknown.
The majority of children with hypothyroidism — who are compliant with their medication — can achieve normal growth and development. Thyroid hormone replacement is weight- and age-based, so more frequent checks are needed while your child is still physically growing.
If you have concerns about your child's health, talk to your child’s physician.
To access the full article on childhood and hypothyroidism, click here.
